on that noteReality Radiology

By Gordon Ah Tye, FAHRA

Teleradiology is on the cusp of a major evolution. The whole debate about utilization of
teleradiology services is fascinating. It’s like
watching a new creation: the earth splitting,
molten lava, spewing rocks, and gurgling
new life being formed. Okay, too dramatic
perhaps. But hey, I’m a fan of The Bachelorette, so what do you expect!? In fact, let’s
look at this like Reality Radiology . . .

The bachelors are trying to win over the
bachelorette in this competition. She is
extremely intelligent, multi-specialized in
her work, and earns a very high income.
Her name: Profee Upforgrabs.

The Bachelors are suitors from past andpresent. As they pull up in their stretchlimos, let’s get first impressions:• Bachelor #1: He is a very stable individ-ual that lives in the Bachelorette’s hometown and has strong relationships withthose who utilize his professional services.Many in his age bracket work part timeor are retired. He has seen the best oftimes and finds himself struggling tokeep long term tenuous partnershipsintact. He wants to keep his investmentsin his partnerships strong; however, ashis world is more complex, he struggleswith being a “special” guy. His name:Groupo Contracto.

So who do you think will get the final
rose? Let’s go on individual dates.

Groupo Contracto has been the standard
for many years, and there are generally good
things to say about who he is and the quality
of his work. He routinely lives where he
works, so he can physically be there if customers feel they need him for any service.
However, as Profee Upforgrabs (and bachelorettes just like her nationwide) is expanding
her reach and getting higher end technology,
she requires specialty services that Groupo
struggles to provide. For small rural bachelorettes, it can be even worse. Critical personal issue: The conventional Groupo generates
revenue with volume and there is no incentive to address critical utilization issues that
are important in healthcare reform.

Ossie Reed has been around the scenefor a number of years, supporting the bach-elorette to relieve the need for her to workat night. He is torn, though, by the supportrole he has played to the bachelorette formany years. Will he ruin their relationshipby overstepping his boundaries and tread-ing on her turf? Will he not get a rosebecause the more aggressive Allah Replaciais trying to invade her entire being? He isstuck between a rock and a hard place. Crit-ical personal issue: Should he just be whohe is, or should he be more aggressive withher so he is not left in the dust?

Gordon Ah Tye is director of imaging and radiation
oncology services for Kaweah Delta Health Care
District in Visalia, CA. He holds a bachelor’s degree in
biological sciences from California State University in
Fresno. Ah Tye is a past president of AHRA, received the
AHRA Gold Award in 2001, and received the 2006
Minnie for Most Effective Radiology Administrator of
the year. He may be contacted at gahtyes@aol.com.